DOCSLIB.ORG

Japan's New Leader Faces Energy

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Japan's New Leader Faces Energy NEWS IN FOCUS GENETICS Halfway mark PHYSICS Rare-isotope facility SPACE SCIENCE Duo of probes NEUROSCIENCE Brain scans for 1,001 Arabidopsis gets a boost from hard set to dance through lunar challenge the concept of genome project p.14 times p.15 gravity p.16 free will p.23 keep the lights on in its absence. “We have no energy policy,” says Tat- suo Oyama, who studies investment in power H. YAMAGUCHI/CORBIS utilities at the National Graduate Institute for FUKUSHIMACISIS Policy Studies in Tokyo. WWW.NATURE. “It’s a serious issue that COM/JAPANQUAKE Noda has to deal with.” Last year, Japan committed to constructing 14 new reactors so that nuclear power would provide half of the country’s electricity by 2030. But after the accident at Fukushima, public mistrust of the technology prompted Kan to ditch the plan. He also ordered existing reac- tors to be taken offline for a series of stress tests, in addition to normal inspections. All but one of the country’s 54 existing reactors are set to be shut down by May 2012, removing a quarter of Japan’s power capacity. Restarting them would require approval from local governments, which they may be reluctant to grant. Kan had promised that renewables and effi- ciency measures would make up the shortfall, but did not explicitly say how. “He made a change but he did it without debate and without a road map,” says Tsutomo Toichi, an energy specialist at the Japanese Institute of Energy Yoshihiko Noda is Japan’s sixth prime minister in five years, replacing Naoto Kan after his resignation. Economics in Tokyo. “It was very abrupt.” The short-term consequence has been a ENERGY jump in the use of fossil fuels, including an estimated 20% increase in imports of expen- sive liquefied natural gas. Toichi says that there could be a 20% increase in the cost of Japan’s new leader producing electricity in 2012 if nuclear reac- tors are shut down as expected, probably leading to higher rates for consumers. This week, the Tokyo Electric Power Company faces energy gap announced that it is considering a 10% hike in next year’s electricity rate. Citizens’ will- ingness to economize has trimmed power Power policy remains in flux. demand in Japan, but Oyama believes that the sagging economy has also reduced electricity BY DAVID CYRANOSKI IN TOKYO Noda must also contend with the threat of a consumption. Hiromasa Yonekura — chair- complete vacuum where the country’s energy man of Sumitomo Chemical, headquartered oshihiko Noda, Japan’s new prime policy should be. in Tokyo and Osaka, and head of the powerful minister, has a daunting in-tray to After the Fukushima disaster, Kan vowed to Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) — has deal with: a faltering economy, a huge “leave nuclear energy behind”, but made no clear repeatedly warned that high prices could force Yreconstruction effort following the devastat- plans to fill the energy gap. And neither Noda companies to move operations overseas. ing earthquake and tsunami in March, and an nor the other leadership contenders articulated To prevent this, Toichi says that the new ongoing nuclear emergency at the Fukushima a clear position on energy during the brief elec- government must get the nuclear plants back Daiichi power plant. Elected on 29 August tion campaign. When pressed on the issue, online as soon as possible. Despite public after Naoto Kan’s resignation last week as they steered clear of strong statements about opposition, Noda has hinted that nuclear will leader of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan, the future of nuclear power or how they would continue to make up part of Japan’s energy 1 SEPTEMBER 2011 | VOL 477 | NATURE | 13 © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved NEWS IN FOCUS mix, and industry minister Banri Kaieda announced for the first time this week that he expects some reactors to restart this year. D. WEIGEL That would be a step in the wrong direc- tion, says Tetsunari Iida, director of the Tokyo-based Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies, who wants the country to seize the opportunity to invest in renewable energy. On 12 September, Iida will launch the Japan Renewable Energy Foundation, which is backed by ¥1 billion (US$13 million) from Japan’s richest man, telecoms mogul Masayoshi Son. The foundation will bring together some 100 experts from around the world to analyse obstacles to implementing Variation among Arabidopsis strains can reflect genetic adaptation to their local habitat. renewable energy, and offer policy recom- mendations to the new government. GENOMICS The foundation’s cause did get a boost from Kan, who had agreed to step down only if Japan’s parliament passed a bill to support clean energy. The bill, which passed Halfway point for on 26 August, will next year guarantee a minimum price for wind, solar and other renewable energies that will make them 1,001 genomes quest more attractive for suppliers to invest in. Iida is confident that this will help to sustain the shift away from conventional Plant researchers map diversity of Arabidopsis thaliana. power sources. He notes that, from 2008 to 2010, Japan’s annual increase in solar-power BY HEIDI LEDFORD breed them into crops — to allow them to move capacity jumped from 230 megawatts to into a new environment or continue to succeed almost 1 gigawatt, giving the country a total oseph Ecker’s teenage son listened intently as where they face climate change,” Ecker says. capacity of 3.6 gigawatts. He believes that his father told him about the 1000 Genomes The mining of natural variation for genetic the renewables bill will make huge solar JProject, which aims to sequence and com- information has gained momentum as faster farms economically attractive for the first pare the genomes of 1,000 people. Ecker, a DNA sequencing has delivered multiple time. “I think next year we’ll see a tenfold molecular geneticist, explained that he and his genomes from wild populations. Similar pro- jump in solar and fivefold in wind,” he pre- colleagues were launching a similar project for jects are under way in mice, fruitflies, rice dicts. Many say that this is unrealistic. “It’s the plant Arabidopsis thaliana. “My son said, and, of course, humans. “If you go into nature, impossible within two years, and too ambi- ‘Well then you should sequence 1,001’,” Ecker you find all these fascinating mutations that tious within ten,” says Toichi. recalls. “He’s a very competitive kid.” have survived the sieve of natural selection,” A bill on global warming could also boost And so the Arabidopsis ‘1001 Genome Project’ says geneticist Trudy Mackay of North Caro- renewables by preventing Japan from filling was born. More than four years later, a loose lina State University in Raleigh, who leads the its energy gap with confederation of laboratories is on the verge of work in fruitflies. “But in the past we’ve been “There is now a fossil fuels. But the making that challenge a reality. Papers published hampered in our ability to tease them apart.” broad consensus bill’s prospects are online in Nature1 and Nature Genetics2 this week The 1001 Genome Project has had some that we need dim, even though report the sequencing of nearly 100 A. thaliana problems, however. Unable to get funding for a to reduce our its aim — a legally genomes, the first swathe released by the pro- single project, participating labs went their own reliance on binding target ject; around 400 more have been sequenced, ways, getting grants from a variety of sources, nuclear power.” to reduce green- but are not yet ready for publication. Last week, says Detlef Weigel, a plant biologist at the Max house-gas emis- Ecker’s group at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, Planck Institute for Developmental Biology in sions to 25% below 1990 levels — was once California, won a US$2-million grant from the Tübingen, Germany, who has spearheaded the a cornerstone of the Democratic Party’s National Science Foundation (NSF) to polish off project. The result was a fragmented effort, with manifesto. “Because of the reduction in our another 500 strains, and to catalogue expressed each group sequencing strains and using tech- reliance on nuclear power, it will be very RNAs and map DNA methylation, a chemical niques that best fitted its own research. difficult” to hit that target, says Toichi. modification that affects gene expression. And Ecker frets that this ad hoc coalition Japan’s parliament has so far declined to Arabidopsis thaliana, or thale cress, is a small won’t even have a central place to deposit consider the bill, and political support for it weed with a simple genome that stands in as a and organize its data. Arabidopsis research- is waning rapidly. “The new majority posi- genetic reference for plants with more complex ers have relied on The Arabidopsis Informa- tion [within the Democratic Party] is to get genomes. The genome project aims to uncover tion Resource (TAIR), but NSF funding for rid of the 25% target,” says Iida. genetic changes that enable plants to adapt to that project is being phased out and its fate is Yet despite the uncertainties that now their local environments. There are thousands unclear. “We don’t want to have these data scat- cloud Japan’s future, Kan’s administration of strains of A. thaliana in stocks worldwide, tered all over the place,” says Ecker, “but there did at least deliver one clear achievement each of which might carry unique traits that may be nowhere to put them.” ■ on energy policy, says Iida.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 2013-JCIE-Annual-Report.Pdf
    Table of Contents 2011–2013 in Retrospect .................................................................................................................................3 Remembering Tadashi Yamamoto ............................................................................................................6 JCIE Activities: April 2011–March 2013 ........................................................................................................9 Global ThinkNet 13 Policy Studies and Dialogue .................................................................................................................... 14 Strengthening Nongovernmental Contributions to Regional Security Cooperation The Vacuum of Political Leadership in Japan and Its Future Trajectory ASEAN-Japan Strategic Partnership and Regional Community Building An Enhanced Agenda for US-Japan Partnership East Asia Insights Forums for Policy Discussion ........................................................................................................................ 19 Trilateral Commission UK-Japan 21st Century Group Japanese-German Forum Korea-Japan Forum Preparing Future Leaders .............................................................................................................................. 23 Azabu Tanaka Juku Seminar Series for Emerging Leaders Facilitation for the Jefferson Fellowship Program Political Exchange Programs 25 US-Japan Parliamentary Exchange Program ......................................................................................26
    [Show full text]
  • Growing Democracy in Japan: the Parliamentary Cabinet System Since 1868
    View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by University of Kentucky University of Kentucky UKnowledge Asian Studies Race, Ethnicity, and Post-Colonial Studies 5-15-2014 Growing Democracy in Japan: The Parliamentary Cabinet System since 1868 Brian Woodall Georgia Institute of Technology Click here to let us know how access to this document benefits ou.y Thanks to the University of Kentucky Libraries and the University Press of Kentucky, this book is freely available to current faculty, students, and staff at the University of Kentucky. Find other University of Kentucky Books at uknowledge.uky.edu/upk. For more information, please contact UKnowledge at [email protected]. Recommended Citation Woodall, Brian, "Growing Democracy in Japan: The Parliamentary Cabinet System since 1868" (2014). Asian Studies. 4. https://uknowledge.uky.edu/upk_asian_studies/4 Growing Democracy in Japan Growing Democracy in Japan The Parliamentary Cabinet System since 1868 Brian Woodall Due to variations in the technical specifications of different electronic reading devices, some elements of this ebook may not appear as they do in the print edition. Readers are encouraged to experiment with user settings for optimum results. Copyright © 2014 by The University Press of Kentucky Scholarly publisher for the Commonwealth, serving Bellarmine University, Berea College, Centre College of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, The Filson Historical Society, Georgetown College, Kentucky Historical Society, Kentucky State University, Morehead State University, Murray State University, Northern Kentucky University, Transylvania University, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, and Western Kentucky University. All rights reserved. Editorial and Sales Offices: The University Press of Kentucky 663 South Limestone Street, Lexington, Kentucky 40508-4008 www.kentuckypress.com Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Woodall, Brian.
    [Show full text]
  • Abenomics' Effect on Gender Inequality in Japanese Society And
    Georgia Southern University Digital Commons@Georgia Southern Honors College Theses 2021 Abenomics’ Effect on Gender Inequality in Japanese Society and the Workplace Arianna C. Johnson Georgia Southern University Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses Part of the Japanese Studies Commons, and the Women's Studies Commons Recommended Citation Johnson, Arianna C., "Abenomics’ Effect on Gender Inequality in Japanese Society and the Workplace" (2021). Honors College Theses. 583. https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/honors-theses/583 This thesis (open access) is brought to you for free and open access by Digital Commons@Georgia Southern. It has been accepted for inclusion in Honors College Theses by an authorized administrator of Digital Commons@Georgia Southern. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Abenomics’ Effect on Gender Inequality in Japanese Society and the Workplace An Honors Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for Honors in Political Science and International Studies. By Arianna C. Johnson Under the mentorship of Dr. Christopher M. Brown ABSTRACT In this study, I determine the extent to which Japan’s shrinking workforce population has been affected by gender roles. Many Asian countries are experiencing a prominent decline in birth rate and population, which has increased global interest in these issues. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Japanese government officials have eagerly responded, pushing Japanese women into the labor force as a possible solution. However, this decision has unanticipated drawbacks, which requires officials to address Japanese women’s concerns in and outside of the workplace. I argue that the Japanese government will have more success by addressing these needs, creating a more gender-equal society for Japanese women.
    [Show full text]
  • Japan's ''Coalition of the Willing'
    Japan’s ‘‘Coalition of the Willing’’ on Security Policies by Robert Pekkanen and Ellis S. Krauss Robert Pekkanen ([email protected]) is assistant professor of international studies at the University of Washington. Ellis S. Krauss ([email protected]) is professor of interna- tional relations and Pacific studies at the University of California, San Diego. This paper is based on a paper presented at fpri’s January 27, 2005, conference, ‘‘Party Politics and Foreign Policy in East Asia,’’ held in Philadelphia. The authors thank Michael Strausz for his research assistance. n 1991, Japan was vilified by many for its ‘‘failure’’ to contribute boots on the ground to the U.S.-led Gulf War. Prime Minister Toshiki Kaifu (1989– I 91) found it difficult to gain support for any cooperation with the U.S.-led coalition in that conflict. Today, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces are stationed in a compound in Samuur, Iraq, part of President Bush’s ‘‘coalition of the willing,’’ and four of its destroyers are positioned in the Indian Ocean to aid the counterterrorism effort in Afghanistan. While many of the United States’ nato allies have been reluctant to aid current American security efforts, especially in Iraq, Japan has been among the staunchest supporters of American military ventures in the Middle East and of its stance toward North Korean nuclear development. As a result, Washington has moved from ‘‘bashing Japan’’ in the 1980s over trade policy and ‘‘passing Japan’’—ignoring it in favor of the rest of Asia—to lauding it for surpassing most of American’s other defense partners.
    [Show full text]
  • Japan's Democracy Diplomacy
    JAPAN’S DEMOCRACY DIPLOMACY Daniel M. Kliman Daniel Twining JULY 2014 © July 11, 2014 The German Marshall Fund of the United States. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission in writing from the German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF). Please direct inquiries to: The German Marshall Fund of the United States 1744 R Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 T 1 202 683 2650 F 1 202 265 1662 E [email protected] This publication can be downloaded for free at www.gmfus.org/publications. GMF is grateful to the U.S.-Japan Commission on the Future of the Alliance, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation, and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA for supporting this project. GMF Paper Series The GMF Paper Series presents research on a variety of transatlantic topics by staff, fellows, and partners of the German Marshall Fund of the United States. The views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of GMF. Comments from readers are welcome; reply to the mailing address above or by e-mail to [email protected]. About GMF The German Marshall Fund of the United States (GMF) strengthens transatlantic cooperation on regional, national, and global challenges and opportunities in the spirit of the Marshall Plan. GMF does this by supporting individuals and institu- tions working in the transatlantic sphere, by convening leaders and members of the policy and business communities, by contributing research and analysis on transatlantic topics, and by providing exchange opportunities to foster renewed commitment to the transatlantic relationship.
    [Show full text]
  • From Rhetoric to Reality: Japanese Foreign-Policy Making Under The
    From Rhetoric to Reality Foreign-Policy Making under the Democratic Party of Japan April 2012 The Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis From Rhetoric to Reality Foreign-Policy Making under the Democratic Party of Japan April 2012 Weston S. Konishi A publication of The Institute for Foreign Policy Analysis Contents Introduction and Acknowledgments iii Executive Summary v Main Findings v From Rhetoric to Reality: Foreign-Policy Making under the Democratic Party of Japan 1 Internal Challenges 4 Intra-party Divisions 4 The Complexities of Coalition Politics 7 Institutional Reforms: Toward Politician-Led Decision-Making 11 The DPJ’s Foreign Policy: Competing Visions 15 Realists 16 Pacifists 17 Centrists 17 Neo-Autonomists 18 Caveats 20 Prime Minister Hatoyama: An Agenda for Change 23 External Constraints on the Hatoyama Administration 27 The Kan Administration: Political Transition and Crisis Management 30 The Noda Administration: Shifting to the Center? 40 Findings and Implications 45 The Impact of Structural Obstacles on DPJ Foreign-Policy Making 45 Continuity versus Change 46 The DPJ: A Hawkish Party? 47 Bilateralism vs. Multilateralism 49 Competing Schools of Thought 51 Conclusion 54 APPENDIX A: Impact of Major Events on Cabinet Approval Ratings 56 FROM RHETORIC TO REALITY I APPENDIX B: The 2010 NDPG Process 59 APPENDIX C: Survey Data of DPJ Foreign Policy Viewpoints 62 APPENDIX D: Profiles of Key DPJ Politicians 63 APPENDIX E: Chronology of Major Events under DPJ Governments 79 Bibliography 86 About the Author 103 II FROM RHETORIC TO REALITY Introduction and Acknowledgments After more than fifty years of one-party dom- ister Kan Naoto, presided over Japan’s most chal- inance under the Liberal Democratic Par- lenging crisis since World War II—the March ty (LDP), Japan’s political landscape changed 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake—before dramatically with the victory of the Democratic succumbing to his own political fate as a result Party of Japan (DPJ) in parliamentary elections of his inconsistent leadership.
    [Show full text]
  • Asia and Japan in the 21St Century—The Decade of the 2000S
    This article was translated by JIIA from Japanese into English as part of a research project to promote academic studies on Japan’s diplomacy. JIIA takes full responsibility for the translation of this article. To obtain permission to use this article beyond the scope of your personal use and research, please contact JIIA by e-mail ([email protected]). Citation: Japan’s Diplomacy Series, Japan Digital Library, http://www2.jiia.or.jp/en/digital_library/japan_s_diplomacy.php Asia and Japan in the 21st Century —The Decade of the 2000s* Taizo Miyagi Once characterized by war, conflict, and poverty, Asia had transformed itself into a region of remarkable economic growth and development by the end of the 20th century. This in fact was what Japan had hoped and striven for Asia throughout the postwar period. However, the emergence of China and other devel- opments have eclipsed Japan’s presence in Asia, so that Japan can no longer claim an unchallenged posi- tion even in economic matters. While 21st century Asia stands proud as the growth center for the world economy, there are undeniable signs that this region is becoming the stage for a new power game that is now unfolding. How is Japan to live and prosper in this environment? In the final analysis, the 21st cen- tury signifies the advent of a new age that can no longer be understood in terms of the “postwar” construct. I. The Koizumi Cabinet and Asia 1. Breaking Free of Conventional Wisdom with Bold Actions Before assuming the post of prime minister, Junichiro Koizumi was long considered to be a maverick within a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) dominated by the Keiseikai Group (Takeshita Faction), which claimed the postal business lobby as a powerful source of support.
    [Show full text]
  • Japan and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Takashi Terada
    Policy Brief February 2012 Japan and the Trans-Pacific Partnership by Takashi Terada On November 11, 2011, the day before the United States hosted the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ Summit in Honolulu, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced, “I have decided to enter into consultations toward participating in the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations with the countries concerned.” While the Prime Minister’s announcement was less than a forceful articulation of intent, with Japan’s economy twice the size of the eight countries currently participating in TPP negotiations with the United States, Japan’s potential entry is important for the pact’s emergence as the preeminent trade agreement in the Asia Pacific. TPP, moreover, has developed into the most important issue on the U.S. trade agenda and is vitally linked to Washington’s new “rebalancing” strategy toward the Asia Pacific. Japan’s potential entry into the agreement has thus become a focal point of the U.S.- Japan relations with important implications for the future of that relationship and the region’s broader economic architecture. Japan’s decision on TPP likely will also be viewed as an indication of the direction the country chooses to take as its population ages and decreases in size, its economy declines relative to that of China and much of the rest of East Asia, and as the country seeks to rebuild in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake. To examine the economic, political and strategic implications of Japan’s potential entry into TPP, the Sasakawa Peace Foundation USA, in cooperation with the Brookings Institution, convened a half-day conference on December 2, 2011.
    [Show full text]
  • Establishing a Two-Party System in Japan
    CENTRE FOR EAST AND SOUTH-EAST ASIAN STUDIES MASTER’S PROGRAMME IN ASIAN STUDIES ESTABLISHING A TWO-PARTY SYSTEM IN JAPAN ICHIRO OZAWA AND HIS DREAM OF ‘NORMAL NATION’ Li Xianwen May 2010 Supervisor: Mayumi Saegusa Li 2 ESTABLISHING A TWO­PARTY SYSTEM IN JAPAN ICHIRO OZAWA AND HIS DREAM OF ‘NORMAL NATION’ Li Xianwen May 2010 In the 1990s, since the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has dominated Japanese politics for nearly forty years, making Japanese politics more democratic became a hot issue. Many politicians and political organizations in Japan had joined the debate. A bestseller book, Blueprint For A New Japan, written by Ichiro Ozawa, arguing that establishing a two‐party system is the best way to make Japan more democratic. The two‐party system is the key factor of being a ‘normal nation’ that Ozawa has dreamed of. In 2009, the LDP was finally replaced by the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). The two‐party system was thus established. Ozawa, currently the Secretary‐general of the DPJ, has contributed the most to the DPJ victory. This article explains that how Ozawa has contributed to the establishment of the two‐party system. I argue that Ozawa uses three strategies to establish the two‐party system: the single member district, party realignment, and Ozawa’s electoral successes. It is significant to see how Japanese democratization has developed in the last two decades through tracing Ozawa’s endeavors. TABLE OF CONTENTS AcknowleDgements I. IntroDuction Research Aims and Question Li 3 Research Methods Theoretical Framework and Literature Review Ethical Considerations Disposition Background The 1955 Political System Ichiro Ozawa II.
    [Show full text]
  • Volontariato Per I Bambini Di Fukushima Il Caso “Orto Dei Sogni” in Sardegna
    Corso di Laurea magistrale in Lingue e istituzioni giuridiche ed economiche dell’Asia e dell’Africa Mediterranea Tesi di Laurea Volontariato per i bambini di Fukushima Il caso “Orto dei sogni” in Sardegna Relatore Ch. Prof. Miyake Toshio Laureando Nicolò Beccerica Matricola 835862 Anno Accademico 2015 / 2016 要旨 2011 年 3 月 11 日の午後 2 時 46 分ごろ、東北地方でマグニチュード(M)は 9.0 に達する大地震が発生して、日本はおろか世界にも大変影響を与えた。地震 後、巨大な津波を引き起こしており、死者だの行方不明者だの数千人に登っ たばかりか、福島県の海岸に打ち破り福島第一原子力発電所の放射能汚染を 引き起こした。このような悲惨な状況にもかかわらず、こういう風な残酷な 実態を乗り越えるべく、日本人も世界中からのボランティアが越して街づく りを熱心に再建しつつ心身の怪我を癒しながら福島っ子を返還してみた。東 北に衝突した地震や津波より、むしろ福島第一原子力発電所の件に関する厄 介や複雑な状況が生まれてきて、対処に住んでいる人々の中にパニックや恐 怖が拡大していった。マスメディアは主に地震と津波の問題に関しまして衆 目を向け、核および有毒な放射線を無視しており、しかも政府は地域が安全 であると言いつつ、大部安心しかねる人々がいなく、信じがたい曖昧な実態 になっていた。企業や伝統工業ばかりか、地元に立ち入り禁止された人々も 出身地が福島第一原子力発電所の近いところの家族も心底に穴が掘り、もは やあの 3 月 11 日の前のような日常生活に戻れないとみられている。確かに、 復興作業は着実に進んではいるものの、被災者や災害に当たった庶民は様々 な助けを必要としており、非常に重要な結果が必要だとなっている。福島第 一原子力発電所事故はチェルノブイリ原子力発電所事故は同様比較されて最 悪の深刻な事故にレベル 7 に分類され、世界で最大の原子力発電所事故の糸 津である。 最も心配があるのは、子供向けの放射線の悪影響や子供の未来がどうなるの かと言う疑問は健康的な重要性があり、日本に無視されていた状態のことで ある原子力発電所事故が起こってからというもの、時に子供の甲状腺の癌の 確立が高まり、健康体も精神も非常に損害を受けているそうである。様々な ボランティア協会が子供の健康や精神向けのプロジェクトを開催して、新し く未来と世界の感覚を感じ直すための取り組みが盛んでいる。 この文章には「オルト・デイ・ソーニ」というイタリア発完全なるボランテ ィアスタッフで構成される非営利協会の福島の子供たちの元気と夢を育むプ ロジェクトについて紹介掏る目的がある。2011 年 3 月 11 日の東日本大震災 後に、イタリア在住の日本人と日本に興味があるイタリア人によって設立さ れており、「イタリアで日本の被災地の子どもたちのためにできることは何 か？」と言う疑問を踏まえて、福島の子どもたちの健康とグローバルな成長 を応援する転地保養プログラムを実施している。豊かな食と自然環境に恵ま れたイタリアでの保養プログラムの間、オルト・デイ・ソニーはは１ヶ月間、 子どもたちを放射能被曝の不安から解放し、自然の中でのびのびと過ごす時 間を提供しながら、よく笑い、よく食べ、よく遊ぶことで、免疫力の向上と
    [Show full text]
  • Civil Society and the State in Democratic East Asia
    PROTEST AND SOCIAL MOVEMENTS Chiavacci, (eds) Grano & Obinger Civil Society and the State in Democratic East Asia East Democratic in State the and Society Civil Edited by David Chiavacci, Simona Grano, and Julia Obinger Civil Society and the State in Democratic East Asia Between Entanglement and Contention in Post High Growth Civil Society and the State in Democratic East Asia Protest and Social Movements Recent years have seen an explosion of protest movements around the world, and academic theories are racing to catch up with them. This series aims to further our understanding of the origins, dealings, decisions, and outcomes of social movements by fostering dialogue among many traditions of thought, across European nations and across continents. All theoretical perspectives are welcome. Books in the series typically combine theory with empirical research, dealing with various types of mobilization, from neighborhood groups to revolutions. We especially welcome work that synthesizes or compares different approaches to social movements, such as cultural and structural traditions, micro- and macro-social, economic and ideal, or qualitative and quantitative. Books in the series will be published in English. One goal is to encourage non- native speakers to introduce their work to Anglophone audiences. Another is to maximize accessibility: all books will be available in open access within a year after printed publication. Series Editors Jan Willem Duyvendak is professor of Sociology at the University of Amsterdam. James M. Jasper teaches at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. Civil Society and the State in Democratic East Asia Between Entanglement and Contention in Post High Growth Edited by David Chiavacci, Simona Grano, and Julia Obinger Amsterdam University Press Published with the support of the Swiss National Science Foundation.
    [Show full text]
  • Winners and Losers in Japan's Political Economy, and the Ties That Bind Them
    Can Japan Disengage? Winners and Losers in Japan's Political Economy, and the Ties That Bind Them Steven K. Vogel Working Paper 111 December 1997 © Copyright 1997, by the author Steven K. Vogel is an Assistant Professor of Government at Harvard University. A revised and updated version of this paper will appear in Social Science Japan Journal. Comments welcome. The author would like to thank Robert Bullock, Mark Elder, and T.J. Pempel for valuable comments; Kenneth Haig for superb research assistance; and the Abe Foundation and the U.S.- Japan Program at Harvard University for financial support. Generous support for this publication has been provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. - 1 - The Japanese economy is splitting into two--or so it would seem from recent press reports.1 For many years, Japan's world-class manufacturers coexisted in relative harmony with uncompetitive small enterprises, inefficient service industries, and staunchly protected farmers. But as the economy matured, the interests of the two Japans diverged: one sought free trade and the other demanded protection; one thrived on competition and the other survived on regulation. Recent developments only exacerbated the conflict of interest between the two, as the prolonged recession made the system's inefficiencies less tolerable and the appreciation of the yen increased the gap between domestic and world market prices.2 In political terms, however, the two Japans never really parted ways. Consumers pay for protection and regulation through higher prices, fewer choices, and lower financial returns, yet sympathize with the farmers and shopkeepers and workers who might be displaced by liberalization.
    [Show full text]